Bama's best pecan stops

Plan to brake for pecans along Alabama's I-65 during your travels this month.

I call Priester's Pecans because I have to make a confession. Every time I stop there (about 35 miles south of Montgomery on I-65 at Exit 142), I stuff myself with free samples as if I'm storing up for the winter. I admit this squirrel-like behavior to Melissa Ellis, whose husband, Thomas, is one of the owners. "That's okay," she says with a laugh. "We figure that if you sample enough, you'll probably buy sooner or later." And I always do.

Packing 'Em In at Priester's

November is one of the store's busiest times, so when you start to nibble on the frosted pecans, Key lime pecans, or cinnamon-sugar pecans, you won't be alone. Squeeze in the sample line for the peanut brittle, pecan divinity, and pecan pralines, all handmade at Priester's. My favorite goodie is the Bravo Brownie, loaded with caramel and pecans.

For a behind-the-scenes look at Priester's candies, walk upstairs to the viewing area where you can watch employees make pecan treats by hand. Of course, Priester's also offers plain pecans primed for baking. Tip: The best time to visit is during the annual pie sale, November 19 through 30, when all pies are discounted. They bake 12,000 each year for the sale.

Pecan Tranquillity at Tanner's

Leave the bustle of Priester's, and drive farther south on I-65. Less than a mile off Exit 4 in Mobile sits Tanner's Pecans & Candies, owned by Danny and Leslie Fox. Sample their candies and other pecan delights (I suggest the white chocolate clusters), while also browsing the boutique-style gifts such as purses and jewelry. Tanner's is also a great source for bakers in need of pecans-halves, large pieces, small pieces, and meal.

Peer through the glass window of the Chocolate Room, where candy is made. Be careful, though, not to leave nose prints on the glass. Which reminds me: I need to call Tanner's to make a confession. TANNER C. LATHAM

Priester's Pecans: 208 Old Fort Road East, Fort Deposit, AL 36032; 1-800-277-3226 or www.priester.com. Tanner's Pecans & Candies: 10 Springdale Blvd., Mobile, AL 36606; (251) 473-4560, 1-800-635-3651, or www.tannerspecan.com. Note: Both Priester's and Tanner's offer their pecans, candies, and gifts through mail-order via their Web sites, catalogs, and toll free phone lines.

Copyright Southern Progress Corporation Nov 2003
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